Mount Bushnell State Park

Tucked into the rolling hills of New Preston in Litchfield County, Mount Bushnell State Park offers 214 acres of quiet New England woodland that feels worlds away from Connecticut’s busier attractions. This is a park for people who prefer their outdoors unhurried — no crowds, no ticket booths, just trails winding through hardwood forest with views that reward the climb.

The park’s main draw is its hiking, with trails that ascend through oak and maple canopy to elevated ridgelines overlooking the surrounding Litchfield Hills. The terrain is moderate enough for families but engaging enough to satisfy experienced hikers looking for a satisfying afternoon loop. Birdwatchers will find the forest canopy productive, particularly during spring and fall migration when warblers move through the understory in waves.

Visitors consistently rate Mount Bushnell highly — 4.5 out of 5 stars — and the common thread in reviews is the sense of solitude. Even on weekends, you’re unlikely to share the trail with more than a handful of other hikers. That quietness is the park’s defining character.

Fall is the standout season here, when Litchfield County’s foliage ranks among the best in New England and the hillside views become genuinely spectacular. Spring wildflower season is a close second. Summer hiking is pleasant under the shade canopy, though humidity builds by July.

Come prepared with water and sturdy footwear — there are no concessions on-site. Mount Bushnell rewards visitors who arrive ready to explore on its own unhurried terms.

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